Hong Kong Goldendoodle

An American family living in Hong Kong wanted to provide their sons with one of the American dreams… a childhood dog.  The boys were at the perfect age, the timing was right. They researched and researched and decided that a Goldendoodle would be a wonderful fit for their family. Since there were not any breeders in Hong Kong, they turned to the United States and started looking. They located a breeder, Michael Wagenbach, Sunshine Acres in Indiana. They found the right breeder for them. But, how can this all happen?

More research was needed to learn what the restrictions were for bringing a dog into the country. The puppy needed to be no less than 5 months old or it would be held in quarantine until it reached that age. So creative problem solving was needed – thinking outside the crate. Michael thought of Beth and Jeff, they have doodles, they train doodles, and they have a good set up for the care of their dogs. Maybe they would be interested in doing a bit of puppy rising or maybe they know someone who could do it.

After some evaluation of the situation, and reviewing the positives and negatives of the idea, Beth and Jeff agreed to raise the puppy and prepare the puppy for his new home.

First Meeting

All agreed to meet at Sunshine Acres. The entire family came from Hong Kong (they were visiting others while in the US), Beth (and Buddy, one of her Goldendoodles) drove the 2 hours and all met Michael and the new addition to the family. The family named him Sherman. Sherman was seven weeks old – still very much a baby but was starting to explore. He was perky, socialable and had a beautiful red coat. Everyone talked and exchanged information.  Beth spent time learning about their environment. Where they lived, what was their housing set up, what type of activities they did, and what types of foods were available.

Sherman Goes to Prep School

Sherman arrived at Beth and Jeff’s home a few weeks later. First thing to do was say hi to “The Boys” - Buddy, Guy (both Goldendoodles) and Phantom (a Weimardoodle). All doodles decided that this was pretty cool. Sherman was cautious but not frightened. Next on the agenda was to take to the Vet to do an initial exam and then set up the plan for care. From there, enroll in school. In no time, Sherman was blooming in personality, growing like a weed, learning more dog manners (from “the boys”) and learning human manners.

Sherman was going to be living in a large city, lots of noise, two boys, no other dog, a cat in a high rise building. Beth and Jeff used that as a guide to training and socialization. Sherman was trained specifically to adapt to his future family’s life. He was introduced to the cats, introduced to as many children as possible including a boy about the same age as the family’s boys. Sherman went to art gallery opening, with loud music and would go into stores. They even encouraged him to potty on hard surfaces, because he won't always have the option of going potty on grass. Sherman attended puppy socialization classes and basic obedience classes. Even though Sherman was being raised in a home with other dogs, there was not one bit of concern about him being dog focused. It was his nature to be very people focused. Since space is very limited in Hong Kong, housing is also small. A very large crate is not a practical solution for a dog. The solution was he would be contained in the kitchen area. So, Beth and Jeff contained him in their kitchen. Beth and Jeff did expose him to a crate so when it came time for him to fly to his home, he would be comfortable.

Several weeks prior to his 5-month birth date, all the reviews of requirements were activated. The family in Hong Kong was working with an organization that specifically handles pet transport throughout the world called Wish You Were Here. The organization was helping the family on the Hong Kong end. They had to formally apply for a special permit to bring him into the country. Beth double-checked, and triple checked the various forms and requirements from the United States end. Failure or mistakes were not going to happen. (See below the listing of all documentations)

Time to Fly Home

Beth drove Sherman up to Sunshine Acres. Turning Sherman over to Michael was made easier because he had his sons there eager to play. Sherman loves children so he was happy to go over and visit with the boys. They entertained each other as Beth slipped away. Michael checked and double-checked all paperwork and fight times. Drives Sherman to Chicago – spends time with Sherman walking and walking around. By the time it was time to put Sherman in the crate, he was eager to get in a take a nap. Michael slipped away.

Sherman arrived on time and in good spirits in Hong Kong. He licked the fingers of his family as they waited to get permission to bring him out of his crate. The paperwork was reviewed and identifications were verified and approved. Sherman was officially home. He has lived in Hong Kong now since November 2005. The family has found that Sherman is everything they hoped and dreamed he would be. Their family is now complete. Sherman is still continuing to learn new things and explore the wonders of Hong Kong. He has several dog buddies that he plays with.

The family is trying to work out one little problem… he is pretty sure that every single person on the street needs to be visited. Hmmmmm, how many doodle owners have this problem?  Hong Kong family: Welcome to the world of doodles!

Approved Special Permit from Hong Kong (Under laws of Cap. 139 & 421)

Animal Health Certificate – VC-9R

Residence Certificate

Rabies Immunization Certificate

Vaccination Certificate

All Certificates had to be reviewed, approved with a seal by the United States Department of Agriculture Veterinary Officer

Airline Captains Affidavit

Monkey Pox Certification was removed from the requirement 15 days before Sherman was sent.